Swimming trips are the highlight of the summer for all ages. The clear waters of Arctic Lakeland offer endless opportunities for bathing. Will you choose a quiet remote wilderness beach or head for a city beach close to services? There are options to suit all tastes!
1. Island Ärjänsaari
Sandbars on Ärjänsaari | Photo: Sointu Mäkelä
The island Ärjänsaari is a newly rising destination on Lake Oulujärvi. The island is known for its magnificent sandbars. In Ärjä you can dip into the water from almost any spot!
The island was once owned by a forestry company and used to be a holiday destination for the company’s employees and their families. Today, the island is owned by Metsähallitus (a state-owned forestry company) and anyone is invited to visit.
The facilities on Ärjänsaari, such as a toilet, a well and a summer café, can be found in the southern part of the island, also known as Säippä. Swimming is not recommended at Säippä’s headland, where there is a sudden drop-off.
You can reach Ärjä either by a cruise or by ordering a boat transfer.
2. Hiukka beach
Hiukka beach at sunset | Photo: Kainuun kuvapankki / Marko Karvonen
The Hiukka beach can be found right in the heart of Sotkamo town centre. The beach is ideal for families with children as it is shallow. There are also good facilities – during the summer there is a café on the beach. There are also toilets and showers on site.
As well as swimming, you can play beach volleyball or tennis. There are also plenty of jogging trails criss-crossing the area. In addition to swimming, children enjoy playing in the playground on the beach.
3. Lake Hiisijärvi
Hiisijärvi and a “children’s pool”. | Photo: Kerttu Komulainen
Lake Hiisijärvi on the southern edge of the municipality of Ristijärvi is an exciting place to swim.
There is an interesting story behind its history: the lake was once even 90% larger than it is today. Local farmers decided to lower the lake’s level slightly to make more farmland. However, the sinkhole they dug got out of control because of erosion. As a result, most of the lake escaped in a tidal wave into Lake Oulu.
Today, Lake Hiisijärvi has a well-equipped swimming beach. The sandy bottom makes for a pleasant swim, but beware – the shore is very steep. A separate children’s pool has been dug for the little ones in the family. There is also a campfire site, toilets, changing rooms and a volleyball court. The boardwalk to the beach is also barrier-free.
4. Island Harakkasaari
Harakkasaari | Photo: Kerttu Komulainen
In the Kalevala area of Kuhmo you will find the island of Harakkasaari, a popular swimming spot for the locals.
You don’t necessarily need a boat to get to Harakkasaari. The island is connected to the mainland by a just-underwater isthmus, along which you can wade to the island. You will reach the crossing point at the Kalevala camping site. There are several beautiful sandy beaches waiting for you once you arrive.
Harakkasaari is a nature reserve owned by Metsähallitus, and you will find a campfire site and a toilet facilities there.
5. Ukkohalla
Ukkohalla beach offers plenty of opportunities for a day at the beach with the whole family. The beach is located on the south side of Lake Syväjärvi, next to the Sun & Ski Villas cottages.
The beach is child friendly. The lake is not deep and there is also a playground, renovated in 2021, next to the beach. The area also offers plenty to do for adults, with tennis courts, volleyball courts and an outdoor sports area nearby. If an active day makes you hungry, you’ll also find Ukkohalla’s restaurant services within walking distance.
6. Hossa beaches
Photo: Kainuun kuvapankki/Tuomo Tahvanainen
The Hossa charms with its exceptionally clear waters. In Hossa you’ll find plenty of heath forest and this, of course, also means good swimming opportunities.
One of the locals’ favourite spots is the river Iikoski. At the head of the rapid you will find a car park, a lean-on-shelter and changing rooms.
Lake Öllörijärvi, next to the Hossa Nature Centre, is a popular spot for divers.
On the shores of Pitkä-Hoilua there are swimming possibilities in almost every hollow. There is a path around the lake, along which you can find several camping and campfire sites.
The waters of Hossa amaze with their clarity | Photo: Sointu Mäkelä
The article is written by Kerttu Komulainen, a nature guide and blogger from Kuhmo.
The article was produced in the framework of the Kainuu Together for the Domestic Tourism Market project funded by the Regional Council of Kainuu.